Product classification
HS code for Ground phosphates: 2510.20
Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk, ground.
Classification of ground phosphates under HS 2510.20
Ground phosphates are classified under HS code 251020. This code falls within Chapter 25, which covers salt, sulfur, earths and stone, plastering materials, lime, and cement. Heading 2510 specifically includes natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates, and phosphatic chalk. The classification is divided between unground (251010) and ground (251020) materials. To be classified under 251020, the phosphate must be a natural mineral product that has been mechanically ground. It must not have been chemically treated or processed into a finished fertilizer, as chemical modification would shift the classification to Chapter 31. This code is primarily used for raw materials in the chemical and fertilizer industries.
- Covers
- Ground natural calcium phosphate
- Ground phosphatic chalk
- Ground natural aluminium calcium phosphate
- Apatite in ground form
- Also under 2510.20
- OCP Group (Morocco) ground phosphate
- PhosAgro (Russia) ground apatite concentrate
- Mosaic Company (USA) ground phosphate rock
- Ma'aden (Saudi Arabia) ground phosphate ore
Codes often confused with 2510.20
Common mistake. Ground phosphates are frequently misclassified under HS code 251010, which is for unground natural phosphates. A more critical error is classifying these minerals under heading 3103 (mineral or chemical phosphatic fertilizers). Heading 3103 is only appropriate if the phosphates have been chemically treated (e.g., with sulfuric acid to create superphosphates). If the product is a mixture of ground phosphates and other fertilizing elements like nitrogen or potassium, it must be classified under heading 3105.
Top exporters and importers of HS 251020 (the code used for ground phosphates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 251020 (the code used for ground phosphates) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 46% of world imports. Jordan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 251020, not only ground phosphates.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $214M 19% of world exports
- 2 Togo* ~$187M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Algeria* ~$155M 14% of world exports · partner records ↗
Jordan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $915M 46% of world imports
- 2 Lithuania $286M 15% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $183M 9.3% of world imports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for ground phosphates
Brazil splits HS 2510.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 2510.20.10Ground natural calcium phosphates
- 2510.20.90Other ground phosphates and phosphatic chalk
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ground phosphates
What is the HS code for Ground phosphates?
The HS code for Ground phosphates is 251020 (Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; ground). The HS code for ground natural calcium phosphates and related minerals is 251020.
How do I classify Ground phosphates for customs?
Ground phosphates is classified under HS code 251020 — Natural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and phosphatic chalk; ground. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include synthetic phosphates?
No, HS code 251020 is strictly for natural phosphates. Synthetic or chemically produced phosphates are classified in Chapter 28 (chemicals) or Chapter 31 (fertilizers).
Which countries are the top exporters of ground phosphates (HS 251020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 251020 (the code used for ground phosphates) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($214M, 19% of world exports), Togo (about $187M) and Algeria (about $155M). World exports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Jordan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 7.8% of its exports here ($17M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of ground phosphates (HS 251020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 251020 (the code used for ground phosphates) in UN Comtrade data were India ($915M, 46% of world imports), Lithuania ($286M) and Indonesia ($183M). World imports came to about $2.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Is the HS code for Ground phosphates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 251020 for Ground phosphates is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for ground phosphates in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 251020 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for ground phosphates depends on the product's details: 2510.20.10 (Ground natural calcium phosphates), 2510.20.90 (Other ground phosphates and phosphatic chalk).